Aaron Tau — also known as Tauzemup — has recently become a trending topic in MMA circles following a controversial UFC weigh-in incident and his rise through the ranks as an exciting flyweight prospect. This article dives into who he is, his background, fight record, cultural identity, iconic tattoos, and what’s ahead in his MMA career.
Who Is Aaron Tau? (Sherdog Profile & Bio)
Aaron Tau is a professional mixed martial artist from Auckland, New Zealand, competing primarily in the flyweight division (125 lbs). Known by his nickname Tauzemup, Tau fights out of the renowned City Kickboxing gym — the same team that produced stars like Israel Adesanya and Kai Kara-France.
According to Sherdog, Tau’s pro MMA record stands at 11 wins and 1 loss (11–1–0). His stylistic profile shows strong finishing ability with the ability to end fights by knockout and submissions, making him one of the most exciting prospects from the Asia-Pacific region.
Weigh-In Controversy at UFC 325
Aaron Tau recently stirred headlines at UFC 325 due to a controversial weigh-in. During official scales for his scheduled bout in the Road to UFC flyweight final, Tau initially weighed in at 122.5 lbs, well under the flyweight limit of 126 lbs. However, a second weigh-in showed he was 129 lbs — over the limit.
This discrepancy led to his fight being cancelled, as officials suspected Tau attempted to manipulate the weigh-in scale by leaning on weigh-in curtains to artificially reduce his weight — a tactic sometimes referred to in MMA circles as the “DC towel trick.”
The incident has sparked debate among MMA fans and pundits about sportsmanship, weight-cut ethics, and the pressures athletes face at the highest levels of competition.
Ethnicity & Cultural Identity
Aaron Tau is of Māori descent, an indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. His identity and heritage play a significant role in his persona — both inside and outside the cage.
Tau has openly celebrated his Māori background, emphasizing pride in representing his culture on the global MMA stage. This cultural expression extends beyond pride; it helps shine a spotlight on te ao Māori (the Māori world) and indigenous identity in professional sports.
Tattoo Story: Meaning Behind His Ink
One of the most striking aspects of Aaron Tau’s appearance is his mataora, a traditional Māori facial tattoo (tā moko). Unlike decorative tattoos in Western culture, mataora carries deep cultural significance:
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Identity & lineage
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Milestones in life and personal journey
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Status, ancestry, and mana (spiritual authority)
Tau’s decision to wear a facial moko into the cage is seen as historic — positioning him as one of the first fighters to bring traditional Māori tattooing into mainstream MMA.
He also has other tattoos, including personal ink like the name “Dylan” and dates that likely hold personal meaning, though he has kept aspects of those stories private.
Professional MMA Record & Fighting Style
Aaron Tau’s professional record is impressive: 11 wins and 1 loss. His victories include a high finishing rate:
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7 wins by KO/TKO
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1 win by submission
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3 wins by decision
Tau’s only loss came by decision, showcasing a competitive and well-rounded fighter capable of standing with top prospects.
His style blends aggressive striking with strong fundamentals, honed at City Kickboxing — a gym known for producing well-rounded champions.
Next Fight & Future Outlook
Before the UFC 325 weigh-in incident, Aaron Tau was slated to face Namsrai Batbayar on January 31, 2026, in what could have been a career-defining fight in the Road to UFC tournament — an event designed to funnel top Asia-Pacific talent into the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Though the bout was cancelled due to the weigh-in issue, Tau remains a fighter to watch. His combination of cultural significance, dynamic fighting style, and compelling personal narrative keeps him in the spotlight.
Conclusion
Aaron Tau’s story in MMA is a blend of electrifying athletic talent and cultural resonance. From his controversial weigh-in at UFC 325 to proudly representing Māori heritage with his mataora, Tau brings depth and intrigue to the sport. With an impressive record and future opportunities on the horizon, his journey — both in and out of the cage — is far from over.
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